Brit Blog - ANGLOPHILES UNITED

ANGLOPHILE ALERT! "Call the Midwife" on PBS tonight!

9/30/2012

Anglophile Alert! The first episode of CALL THE MIDWIFE premiers in the U.S. tonight, Sunday, Sept. 30, on PBS at 8:00 pm!

Call the Midwife, a BBC production, debuted in the UK last year to critical acclaim and turned into the highest-rated new drama launch in BBC history! Fortunately, PBS signed a deal with BBC to bring the series to this side of the pond. Call the Midwife airs immediately before Masterpiece Classic "Upstairs Downstairs," making Sunday evenings a dream-come-true for Anglophiles!

Call the Midwife, set in London's poverty-stricken East End in the 1950s, features a young nurse, Jenny Lee, and her fellow midwives, and the dramas that unfold as the nurses tend their patients. The series' universal themes include nursing and parenthood. The story of Jenny, a wealthy country girl who has followed her calling to the East End's teaming streets, is not unlike the story of Florence Nightingale. Nightingale, too, came from a wealthy, country home, but following her heart, ended up at the epicenter of the Crimean War, working at a filthy battle-field hospital in Scutari, where she laid down the foundations for modern nursing.

Heidi Thomas, a writer for "Upstairs Downstairs," wrote the Call the Midwife series, and reviewers claim, "Heidi Thomas’ witty and emotional scripts have perfectly captured a unique snapshot of British history...." The series is based on the books written by Jennifer Worth, a British nurse who practiced midwifery in the East End in the 1950s and wrote a trilogy of memoirs about her experiences. Her three books are entitled Call the Midwife, Shadows of the Workhouse, and Farewell to the East End.

*****************************************
Go to: BRITISH TV
Go to: BRITISH BOOKS
Go to: VISIT BRITAIN
Go to: HOMEPAGE

The Royal Collection: Andy Warhol & The Queen

9/29/2012

Recently I wrote a post about the Queen's wealth (to view, click HERE) and mentioned the Royal Collection, the Queen's 200,000-plus art collection, which includes paintings, drawings, and prints by masters like Rembrandt and Michelangelo. Although the Queen owns the $16-billion collection, she cannot sell any pieces in it--she can only add pieces. And she recently did. Four fabulous Pop Art pieces by America's Andy Warhol. The brightly colored screen-prints bear her image, which Warhol based on a formal photograph of her wearing a tiara. (The purchase was made last week for an undisclosed sum.) This November at Windsor Castle an art exhibit "Portraits of a Monarch" will open for the public, and we can take a look at these and other famous images of the Queen.

To see the Warhol prints, click HERE

Britishisation of American English

9/28/2012

In case you didn't see it....Cordelia Hebblethwaite, of the BBC News, interviewed me for a very interesting article she wrote entitled Britishisms and the Britishisation of American English. Be sure to check it out!

To read article, click HERE

BRITISH COMEDY: Brighton Comedy Festival!

9/28/2012

What a fabulous way to start the day: Laughing! An advert for the Brighton Comedy Festival reached my inbox this morning, which sent me to YouTube to look up the British comedians headlining the festival. Really, I laughed until I cried—and I wish the same for you, so I’ve posted some of the videos below.

If you’re fortunate enough to be in the UK this weekend and hanker for comedy, then hie thee hence to Brighton! Here’s the lowdown:

Event: (Dave’s) Brighton Comedy Festival

Dates: Saturday, Oct. 6 – Saturday, Oct. 20

Acts: Over 70 performances (To see list of performers, click HERE)

Venues: Three venues, six spaces: Brighton Dome (Concert Hall, Corn Exchange, Studio), The Old Market, and Komedia (Studio Bar, Main Space)

To purchase tickets, click HERE

The festival presents some of the biggest names in British stand-up comedy—and plenty of promising newcomers strut their stuff too. (The festival is inaugurating the Squawker Award for the best up-and-coming comic.)

Headliners: Jack Dee, Dara O Briain, Greg Davies, Ross Noble, Kevin Bridges, Russell Kane, Jon Richardson, Jason Byrne, Mark Watson, Stephen K Amos, Marcus Brigstocke, Jenny Eclair, Richard Herring and Alexei Sayle. We also have the best of Brighton with the return of local heroes Zoe Lyons, Stephen Grant, Seann Walsh, Angela Barnes and Simon Evans.

Now, dear Anglophiles, sit back and enjoy....

Click to set custom HTML

************************************************
Go to: BRITISH TV
Go to: BRITISH MOVIES
Go to: VISIT BRITAIN
Go to: HOMEPAGE

Anglophile Sweepstakes!

9/27/2012

I discovered a wonderfully unique sweepstakes for stateside Anglophiles: The winner receives a transatlantic voyage on the elegant Queen Mary 2! I've found many sweepstakes for my readers to enter, but this is the first offering a cruise to England. And the sweepstakes is especially apropos for the scores of Anglophiles I've heard from who would love to visit jolly old England but are fearful of flying. I sincerely hope one of you win!

So, dear Anglophiles, enter the sweepstakes below, then don your sailor suit and pack that steamer trunk!

Cunard’s “Cross the Pond Sweepstakes”

Enter HERE

Sweepstakes closes Friday, November 30, 2012

Prize: A 7-day Transatlantic crossing for two, between NYC and Southampton,
on Queen Mary 2—with a balcony stateroom!

*****************************************************
Go to: VISIT BRITAIN
Go to: BRITAIN IN YOUR TOWN
Go to: WHAT IS AN ANGLOPHILE
Go to: HOMEPAGE

Professor Elemental "Cup of Brown Joy'

9/27/2012

I dedicate this video to all my wonderfully funny, eccentric British friends (you know who you are!).... and to my dear friends on this side of the pond who understand that loose leaf isn't a choice but a necessity. Cheers!

THE ROYAL FAMILY & ITS WEALTH

9/26/2012

The Royal Family and its wealth fascinates me. Britain’s King George III, some 250 years ago, did a game-changer: He gave all royal property to the British parliament, and in return, taxpayers would henceforth maintain the Royal Family at the government’s expense. (Note to Anglophiles with lapsed memories about George III: He was the mentally ill king. Also, the king at the helm during the American Revolution.)

Yes, the Royal Family uses a lot of money, but the royal assets, which George III turned over to the government, earn a lot of money too. One of the primary money makers is called “The Crown Estate” (see more below), which, last year, generated $342 million in income. In short, the land holdings in the Crown Estate do not belong to the government nor are they part of the monarch's private estate. They are the sovereign's public estate, and the income they produce are to benefit the British people--the public.

The Queen receives private money and state money--and she also has use of various royal assets, though, as I stated, the government actually owns them. Here are the Royal Assets:

ROYAL ASSETS

Buckingham Palace – The Queen’s primary residence, located in Central London. Its interior space totals about 830,000 square feet!

Windsor Castle – This castle is 20 miles west of Buckingham Palace and is the Queen’s preferred residence. She says it’s more comfortable—and undoubtedly life would be more comfortable there, considering the hoards of daily visitors at Buckingham Palace.

The Crown Estate – A portfolio of land totaling 560-square miles across England and Wales—and including all U.K. coastal waters within 12 miles of land. This portfolio includes some of London’s most iconic spots, such as Regent Street, Piccadilly, and various Park Lane sites, such as the locations of the Intercontinental hotels and The Four Seasons. Over 12,000 tenants pay rent to live on these lands, so the Crown Estate is a nice cash cow. Last year it generated $342 million, and it is valued at $12 billion. Buckingham Place and Windsor Castle are located on Crown Estate land.

Crown Jewels – This jewel collection includes centuries-old scepters, swords, rings, and crowns, all of which are housed in the Tower of London. Periodically, the Queen or her family use various pieces for ceremonial occasions--such as weddings or coronation ceremonies.

In addition to the use of the royal assets, the Queen receives personal money and state money, and owns personal assets. Here's the breakdown:

PERSONAL MONEY, STATE MONEY, & PERSONAL ASSETS

Personal Money - The personal money the Queen receives is called her "privy purse," and the money comes from the Duchy of Lancaster, a portfolio of property that is 72-square miles of farm and city lands, valued at $570 million. The Monarch owns the Duchy, but it is held in trust, so she is not privy to the portfolio's capital--only to its revenue. Nowadays, the Queen uses most of the privy purse to help pay for official expenses incurred by other members of the Royal Family. Last year, the privy purse totaled nearly $22 million.

State Money - The money the Queen receives from the state is called "Sovereign Grant" money. (This block of money used to be divvied up and presented as "Civil List" money and "Grants in Aid" money, but as of April 2012, that changed.) Sovereign Grant money covers the allowance the Queen receives for performing Head of State functions. She spends seventy percent of this money on entertaining and feeding of 50,000 annual guests, mostly at Buckingham Palace. Last year, the Queen received around $23 million for these functions, which, according to some sources, failed to meet expenses due to inflation. Sovereign Grant money also covers particular expenses, such as upkeep of the royal palaces (Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, St. James Palace, and several other smaller residences), and transportation costs, such as the Royal train, helicopter, and jet, and other travel expenses. Last year, the amount given for these various travel expenses totaled about $32 million.

Personal Assets: The Royal (art) Collection – The 200,000-plus art collection includes paintings, drawings, and prints by many masters, including Rembrandt and Michelangelo. Also in the collection: furniture, textiles, armor, and the world's largest Faberge egg collection. The Royal Collection is valued at 16 billion. Although the Queen owns the Royal Collection, she cannot sell any pieces in the collection, and the collection must pass to her successor.

Personal Assets: Property - The Queen personally owns two large, country estates--Sandringham House, near Norfolk, England, and Balmoral Castle, near Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Both estates provide sections open to the public. The Queen's favorite, is Balmoral, which she has referred to as "my dear paradise in the Highlands." The Queen and her family often vacation at Balmoral and spend Christmas at Sandringham House.

DOES THE QUEEN PAY TAXES?

Yes, she does. In 1992, the Queen, for the first time, paid income tax and capital gains tax--entirely on a voluntary basis. Then, in 1993, an arrangement was made between the Queen and UK government in which the Queen would pay personal income tax as any other taxpayer. (She has always voluntarily paid VAT taxes.)

BOTTOM LINE

To say the least, the Queen’s finances are complex and not as straightforward as I fear I have made them sound. For instance, the government pays for the Queen's security, she doesn't. Charles has various funds and properties of his own and pays for various expenses for his children. Etc, etc, etc. To itemize such things would surely bore all except readers who are CPAs--and maybe them, too. But as Anglophiles, we should grasp a basic understanding of the financial arrangements between the Monarch and UK government for one important reason: Money forms the core of the British debate about remaining a monarchy or doing away with the monarch and becoming a republic. The majority of British citizens are content with having and paying for a monarch; they are called Monarchists. A sizable faction of Brits, however, are Republicans, who would love to say adieu to the Royals, and stop footing their bills. As Anglophiles, we should understand this debate!

********************************************

Go to: THE ROYALS
Go to: BRITISH CARS
Go to: BRITISH DRINKS
Go to: HOMEPAGE

JK Rowling's "The Casual Vacancy" Released This Friday!

9/24/2012

Dear Anglophiles: I can hardly contain my excitement! In just three days, on Thursday, September 27, JK Rowling’s first novel for adults, The Casual Vacancy, will be released! The media buzz has begun. Rowlings says, “The freedom to explore new territory is a gift Harry’s success has brought me.” And new territory it is, indeed! Little, Brown Book Group, the book’s publisher, gives this synopsis of the novel:

"When Barry Fairbrother dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock.

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?”

The publisher adds that The Casual Vacancy will be “blackly comic, thought-provoking, and constantly surprising.”

I also found a fabulous article about Rowling in the New Yorker. To read the article, click HERE.
To visit Rowling’s website, click HERE.

I've read reviews of The Casual Vacancy. A few critics claim that the writing isn't subtle enough. E.g., If there's a secret, Rowling basically spells out "this is a secret." If this criticism pans out, I understand Rowling's lack of subtlety. Subtlety in children's literature is, after all, trickier to use than in adult literature--and Rowling is accustomed to writing for children. And again, if this criticism is true, I have little doubt that Rowling will grow into her role of adult-novel author and refine her writing with each successive book she produces. But I'll stop this line of conjecturing now! What I especially look forward to are the novel's characters, for I know that Rowling brilliantly breathes life into her creations. And I look forward to basking in a charming, English setting; Rowling has lived in numerous villages herself, and I have full faith that she will transport us!

After you read the book, please let me know what you think!

**********************************

To pre-order The Casual Vacancy, click HERE.

Go to: BRITISH BOOKS
Go to: BRITISH MUSIC
Go to: BRITISH CLOTHING
Go to: HOMEPAGE

PUMPKIN SPICY SCONES Recipe & Other Autumn Delights!

9/23/2012

Ahhh, autumn now nips the air and October waits just around the corner! For today's blog, I offer you my yummy Pumpkin Spicy Scones recipe. My route for remembering this scone recipe was crazily circuitous. Do forgive. I'm still ill and jet-lagged from my Istanbul trip. Yet I think you may find some humor in following the path that my feverish, Streptococcal-afflicted mind took.

On Twitter this morning, I discovered "Smarmy Clothes," which bills its clothing as "punk clothing with a squirt of subculture jawesomeness." (Too unhip to know what "jawesomeness" means, I had to look up the word in Urban Dictionary. "Jawesome" is an adjective denoting something that is more awesome than "awesome." One entry claimed that something must be at least 10 times more awesome than baseline awesomeness in order to meet "jawesomeness" level. Who knew?!)

Anyway, Smarmy Clothes advertised this darling dress -->
(Am I the only one who thinks low-heeled, chunky black pumps, a nice cardigan, and a string of pearls is just the thing for the outfit??)

I have great admiration for small, independent clothing designers like Smarmy Clothes. I suspect that they work hard without the largest profit margins in the world and that designing is a labor of love. I like supporting such designers when possible. (If you wish to peruse more Smarmy Clothes designs, click HERE.)

Thinking about clothing designers brought Sarah Jane Burton to mind because her name crops up in so many fashion articles I read. In case her name is not on your radar....she's the British designer who created Kate Middleton's wedding dress. In fact, Time magazine listed her this year as one of the world's 100 most influential people, and the Queen invested her with OBE status. Currently, she's the creative director for Alexander McQueen's women's line.

To visit Alexander McQueen's website, click HERE.

<--- Much to my surprise, when I navigated to Alexander McQueen's website (he's one of Britain's top designers, you surely know), I found his scarf selection and discovered these very delightful skeletal images. Yes, Halloween is upon us! Designers, high-end and low, are getting "gothy" on us! Very jawesome, right?

All the skeletal clothing jogged my memory: My scone recipe! My "Pumpkin Spicy Scones" recipe! Without any further mental ramblings, I shall now share the recipe, which is perfect autumn fare for the Anglophile!

(I strongly suggest a simple, robust tea such as English Breakfast or Irish Breakfast with these scones.)

PUMPKIN SPICY SCONES (Makes 8)

INGREDIENTS

Scones:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup dark brown sugar

1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon

¾ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

optional: ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup cold butter, cut into pieces

1/3 cup dark raisins

1/3 cup walnut (or pecan) pieces

1/3 cup of buttermilk (can substitute heavy cream or regular milk)

½ cup fresh or canned pumpkin puree (if canned, use plain pumpkin—not pumpkin pie filling that has sugar and spices added)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Egg Wash Topping:

1 large egg

1 tablespoon milk

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Grease baking sheet

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Chop butter into small pieces, then cut butter into flour mixture with two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in raisins and nuts.

In separate bowl, mix together buttermilk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Blend this buttermilk mixture into flour mixture—stirring just until dough comes together.

Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead five times, then pat dough into about a 7-inch circle, ½-inch thick. Cut circle into 8 wedges, then place wedges on baking sheet. For Egg Wash Topping, whisk together egg and milk, then brush wedges with mixture.

Place baking sheet in middle of oven to prevent over-browning of scone bottoms. Bake 20 minutes or until nicely browned and toothpick inserted in middle of scones comes out clean.

Enjoy!

************************************
Buy Baking Parchment Paper HERE
Go to: BRITISH FOOD
Go to: BRITISH DRINKS
Go to: BRITISH CLOTHING
Go to: BRITISH HOMES
Go to: HOMEPAGE

Glamour Sweepstakes: Free Trip to London & Shopping Spree!

9/6/2012

Dear Anglophiles: I am leaving tomorrow for Istanbul and a cruise on the Black Sea and will resume blogging on Monday, September 24. I do hope you'll peruse my archived blogs, listed in various categories on the right-hand column of this page.

So, I had a bit of luck this morning! I won two free tickets to a London play and dinner! Because I scour the Internet for my readers, looking for sweepstakes that offer free UK trips, I end up entering many of the sweepstakes myself. And lo and behold, I won a little something this morning. Not a free trip to the UK, but still....

Before I leave for holiday, I would like to present a sweepstakes for you to enter. Best of luck, dear Anglophiles!

Glamour magazine
presents
Shopping Spree in London Sweepstakes!

To enter, click HERE

Contest closes: Monday, October 1

Prize: A 3-day, 2-night trip for two to London, which includes roundtrip airfare, a suite at 51 Buckingham Gate Hotel, transfers to and from the airport, a shopping trip to Miss Selfridge’s flagship store on Oxford Street, and one $5,000 Miss Selfridge gift card!

***********************************
Go to: BRITISH CLOTHING
Go to: BRITISH CARS
Go to: BRITISH HOMES
Go to: VISIT BRITAIN
Go to: HOMEPAGE